Bermuda lost a closely-fought match with Ireland by four wickets in Nairobi today, as the Irish successfully chased down the Island's decent first innings total of 275.

Thanks mainly to a century from opener William Porterfield (112 not out) Ireland reached victory with nine balls to spare and with four wickets in hand.

Bermuda have now lost both of their World Cricket League matches (including a ten-wicket defeat to Kenya on Monday) but will be encouraged by this much-improved performance against the top-ranked Associate team.

Dwayne Leverock proved Bermuda's most effective bowler, recording figures of two for 34 off his ten overs. But a lack of support from the other end cost Bermuda dear, as all the other bowlers - most notably the expensive Kevin Hurdle (nought for 29 off three overs) - failed to contain the Irish batsmen.

Earlier, Bermuda openers Clay Smith (52) and Dean Minors (51) got Bermuda off to a terrific start and were supported by Irving Romaine (26), Lionel Cann (44) and David Hemp (35).

But the team lost their way after Hemp was dismissed, losing a clutch of middle order wickets and missing out on a score of 300-plus which had looked on the cards after Smith and Minors' barnstorming opening stand.

See tomorrow's Royal Gazette for the full match report and reaction.